Leading Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The impact was catastrophic. On a snow-slicked stretch of I-94 near Detroit, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into a family sedan. In an instant, a standard commute became a life-altering disaster. Perhaps the truck driver had been behind the wheel for 14 hours—far beyond the legal limit—or maybe the trucking company neglected a critical brake inspection to save a few dollars. Now, you are the one paying the price for their negligence.

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life in Michigan, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on the largest trucking companies in the world and winning. Admitted to the Southern District of Texas and licensed across state lines, our founder handles complex litigation with a level of aggression that corporate legal teams aren’t used to seeing. We treat our clients like family, and as client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

If you or a loved one has been hurt in Michigan, the clock is already ticking. Evidence disappears, and trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams before you even leave the emergency room. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Experience Matters After a Michigan Trucking Accident

Trucking litigation is not like a typical car accident case. It involves a dense web of federal regulations, massive insurance policies, and corporate defendants who will stop at nothing to protected their bottom line. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been honing a strategy designed to dismantle the defenses of these giants. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP, and we apply that same “Fearless litigator” approach to every Michigan truck accident case we accept.

One of our greatest advantages is our team’s insider knowledge. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies—defending them against people just like you. He knows their playbook. He knows how they evaluate, minimize, and deny claims from the inside. Today, he uses that knowledge to fight for Michigan victims. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our track record speaks for itself. We have recovered over $50 million for families across the country, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims and victims of catastrophic amputations. Whether your accident happened on I-75, I-96, or a rural road in the Upper Peninsula, we provide the aggressive representation necessary to secure every dime you deserve.

The Michigan “No-Fault” Complexity in Trucking Cases

Michigan has a unique auto insurance landscape, but when a commercial vehicle is involved, the rules of the game change. While your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) may cover some medical costs, it is often insufficient for the life-altering injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler crash. To recover the full value of your pain, suffering, lost earning capacity, and future care, you must step outside the no-fault system and file a third-party tort claim against the negligent parties.

We understand the Michigan legal landscape. Our managing partner brings 25 years of trial experience to the table, ensuring that no technicality or corporate shield stands in the way of your recovery. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

49 CFR: Proving Negligence Through Federal FMCSA Regulations

In Michigan, proving that a truck driver or trucking company was “careless” isn’t enough; we prove they violated the law. All commercial vehicles in Michigan operating in interstate commerce must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When we find a violation of these rules, it serves as powerful evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Factor)

This is perhaps the most frequently violated regulation in Michigan trucking accidents. Federal law is clear:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver can only drive for a maximum of 11 hours.
• 14-Hour Window: A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Driver fatigue is a quiet killer on Michigan interstates like I-69 and US-131. When a driver is pressured by a company like Amazon or Walmart to meet an impossible delivery deadline, they often falsify logs. We use Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove exactly how long that driver was really on the road before they hit you.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, every driver in Michigan must:

• Pass a road test and background check.
• Maintain a current medical examiner’s certificate.
• Disclose a 3-year driving history.

If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving violations, that company is liable for negligent hiring. Our team subpoenas the complete Driver Qualification File to see what the company knew before they put that driver behind the wheel.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Maintenance

In Michigan, winter salt and heavy ice take a massive toll on commercial vehicles. Part 396 requires “systemic” inspection and maintenance. If an 18-wheeler’s brakes fail on a descent or a tire blows out on I-75 because of a “road-gator” retread that should have been retired months ago, the trucking company is liable for those maintenance failures.

Don’t let them hide the evidence of their violations. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 today for a free evaluation.

Comprehensive Coverage of Michigan Truck Accident Types

Every truck accident in Michigan has a unique physical “fingerprint.” Understanding the physics of these crashes is the first step toward winning your case.

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. This is terrifyingly common on Michigan highways during “whiteout” blizzards. When a 18-wheeler jackknifes across four lanes of I-94, it creates an unavoidable wall of steel.

• Liable Parties: Typically the driver (for improper braking) or the maintenance company (for faulty ABS).
• Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and internal organ damage.

2. Rollover Crashes

With a high center of gravity, trucks are prone to rolling over, especially when hauling top-heavy automotive parts or liquid cargo. If a truck enters a sharp curve near Grand Rapids at excessive speed, it may flip.

• FMCSA Connection: Part 393 governing cargo securement is critical here. If the load shifted, the loading company is liable.
• Injuries: Roof crush often results in permanent spinal cord injuries and paralysis.

3. Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the most lethal accidents in Michigan. This happens when a passenger car slides underneath the trailer of a semi-truck, often shearing off the car’s roof.

• The Law: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards. If those guards were missing or poorly maintained, the trucking company is responsible for the resulting fatalities.

4. Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded truck at 65 mph takes nearly two football fields to stop. In congested Michigan construction zones, a distracted trucker—perhaps checking a dispatch on their phone—is a deadly hazard.

• Search Intent Answer: If you’re asking “who pays my medical bills after a truck accident,” the answer starts with the $750,000 to $5,000,000 insurance policy the trucking company is required to carry.

5. Wide Turn and Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots. A “right hook” accident occurs when a truck swings wide to the left before turning right, crushing a cyclist or smaller vehicle caught in the gap.

• Specific Michigan Hazard: Urban truck traffic in cities like Flint or Detroit requires constant vigilence. If a driver failed to check their mirrors, they violated 49 CFR § 393.80.

6. Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. We investigate the maintenance shop that signed off on the last inspection. If they deferred maintenance to keep the truck moving, they are a primary defendant.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

Additional Michigan Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

While big rigs dominate the news, many Michigan residents are injured by other types of commercial vehicles. Attorney911 handles these complex cases with the same tenacity.

Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

A loaded dump truck in a Michigan construction zone can weigh 65,000 pounds. These vehicles are often operated by small contractors who skip maintenance to save costs. If an overloaded gravel truck rolls over on a car in Lansing, the construction company and the aggregate supplier may both be liable.

Garbage and Waste Trucks

Garbage trucks operate in Michigan neighborhoods where our children play. They have massive blind spots and are constantly backing up. These cases often involve municipal liability or major corporate entities like Waste Management Inc.

U-Haul and Rental Truck Accidents

Here is the truth: U-Haul, Penske, and Budget rent 26,000-pound trucks to people who have never driven anything larger than a minivan. These drivers don’t have CDLs and don’t understand the stopping distance required for a heavy load. When they cause a crash on Michigan roads, we investigate the rental company for negligent entrustment.

Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

Amazon’s “Delivery Service Partner” model is designed to shield Amazon from liability. They want you to think it’s just a small local company’s fault. But Amazon sets the routes, monitors the cameras, and dictates the schedule. We know how to pierce that corporate shield and hold the retail giant accountable for the accidents their delivery pressure causes.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Identifying the 16 Potentially Liable Parties

Most firms only sue the truck driver. We dig deeper. In a Michigan truck accident, we cast a wide net to ensure every insurance policy is available to compensate you.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence (speeding, distraction, fatigue).
2. The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior and for negligent training.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the freight itself was hazardous or improperly documented.
4. The Loading Company: For 49 CFR § 393 cargo securement violations.
5. Truck Manufacturer: For design defects like faulty steering or brakes.
6. Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or component part failure.
7. Maintenance Company: For “pencil-whipping” inspection reports.
8. Freight Brokers: For brokering a load to an “unfit” carrier with high CSA scores.
9. Truck Owner: If different from the motor carrier.
10. Government Entities: For dangerous Michigan road designs or poor work zone signage.
11. Corporate Parent Company: Holding giants like Amazon or Walmart liable for their own safety protocols.
12. Oilfield Operator: If the truck was hauling for an energy project (Relevant in Central/Northern Michigan).
13. Staffing Company: If they placed an unqualified driver.
14. Rental Truck Company: For renting to an obviously unfit driver.
15. Transit Agencies: If a public bus or school bus was involved.
16. Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS mail trucks (Requires an FTCA claim).

The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing? Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

48-Hour Urgency: The Evidence Preservation Protocol

In Michigan, the clock started the moment you were hit. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can “accidentally” disappear. The Engine Control Module (ECM), often called the black box, records your speed, braking, and steering inputs. Most systems overwrite this data within 30 days or after a few new driving events.

We move faster. When you retain Attorney911, we send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours. We demand the preservation of:

• Black box (ECM) data.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records.
• The driver’s cell phone records (to prove distraction).
• In-cab camera footage (Netradyne or DriveCam).
• Maintenance logs and pre-trip inspection reports.

As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” Other firms wait for the police report; we start our own investigation before the tow truck even clears the scene.

Catastrophic Injuries and Multi-Million Dollar Damages

Truck accidents in Michigan don’t just leave you with medical bills; they leave you with a different life. Our firm has documented experience recovering multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by these crashes.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI changes how you think, how you work, and who you are. We’ve recovered $1.5M to over $9.8M for TBI victims. We work with neuropsychologists to quantify the cognitive deficits that don’t always show up on a standard CT scan.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When a truck’s weight crushes your car’s frame, the spine is at extreme risk. Lifetime care for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million in the first year alone. We seek settlements in the $4.7M to $25.8M range to ensure you have the best possible care for life.

Amputations and Severe Burns

Whether it’s a traumatic amputation at the scene or a surgical one during treatment, the loss of a limb is devastating. Our settlements in these cases range from $1.9M to $8.6M, accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and the profound phantom pain that follows.

Wrongful Death

If Michigan’s roads have taken a loved one, we are deeply sorry. No amount of money replaces a family member, but a wrongful death claim (settlement range $1.9M to $9.5M) provides financial stability for the children and spouse left behind.

Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Accessing the Deep Pockets

In Michigan, a standard car insurance policy might only have $50,000 in coverage. A commercial truck is a different story.

• General Freight: Federal law mandates a minimum of $750,000.
• Hazardous Materials: Mandated minimum of $5,000,000.

Large corporate fleets like Walmart and UPS are often “self-insured,” meaning they use their own massive capital to pay claims. They fight harder because they are paying with their own money. At Attorney911, we are fearless. We’ve litigated against Fortune 500 giants and we know how to force them to the table. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who has seen their internal valuation formulas. We don’t accept lowball offers.

Michigan Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim in Michigan?
Under Michigan law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, waiting even three months can be fatal to your case because physical evidence on the road and electronic data from the truck will be lost.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash. Your final settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize your fault to maximize your check.

Can I sue Amazon directly if an Amazon van hit me?
Yes, but they will fight it. Amazon uses a contractor model to try and dodge liability. Ralph Manginello has handled cases just like this and knows how to use the “right-to-control” test to prove Amazon is legally responsible for their drivers.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
While Michigan is a no-fault state, your medical costs may quickly exceed your PIP limits. We can often help arrange medical treatment through a Letter of Protection (LOP), which allows you to get expert care now and pay from your settlement later.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we advance all costs of the lawsuit. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime for our legal fees.

Does black box data really prove speed?
Yes. The ECM records speed at 0.5-second intervals. If the driver tells the police they were going 55 mph, but the box shows 72 mph, their credibility is destroyed. We subpoena this data immediately.

More answers in our video: “Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo.

Michigan Trucking Corridors and High-Risk Zones

We handle cases across every Michigan county, emphasizing major freight routes where crashes occur daily:

• I-94 (Detroit to Lake Michigan): The primary corridor for automotive freight and international trade with Canada.
• I-75 (Ohio Border to Sault Ste. Marie): High-volume tourism and industrial transport.
• I-96 / I-69: Critical distribution routes for companies like Walmart and Amazon.
• Ambassador Bridge / Blue Water Bridge: The highest volume of commercial truck traffic at the US-Canada border.

Whether you were hit in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, or Flint, our team brings federal court experience to Michigan’s courtrooms.

Take Action: Contact Attorney911 for Your Michigan Case

You didn’t ask for this accident, but now you have to deal with the consequences. The trucking company already has a team of experts and lawyers working to protect their money. Who is protecting yours?

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years fighting for the underdogs. We provide the personal attention of a boutique firm with the firepower of a national litigation giant. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Free consultation. 24/7 Availability. Hablamos Español.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911.

Address your legal emergency today. Because when an 80,000-pound truck slams into your life, you deserve a fighter in your corner.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
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